Cricket, Local News

Weekend grading planned for Old Trafford

St. George’s, April 13, 2011 – Government, which promised last month to upgrade and rehabilitate the Old Trafford Playing Field at Old Trafford at Tanteen, is moving quickly to make good on its pledge.

The Ministry of works is providing equipment to grade the field this coming weekend.

“A grader will arrive at Old Trafford for work that will begin on Saturday, April 16. I want thank the government and the Ministry of Works for their prompt response to helping with Old Trafford,’’ said parliamentary representative for the area, Hon. Peter David.

For more than six years, Old Trafford had been the site of classrooms of the T.A. Marryshow Community College, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Some motorists have also been using the playing field as a parking lot.  

The aim now is to return Old Trafford to its original purpose of sporting and recreational activities. The initiative has the support of community residents who carried out a clean-up of the playing field on March 20.

Mr. David, who participated in the clean-up, is also appealing for community participation in the grading of the playing field this weekend.

“Those who were there for last month’s clean-up should bring two or three friends or family members with them to Old Trafford on the weekend,’’ said the Tourism Minister and MP for the Town of St. George. “It’s an opportunity to not only work to bring back Old Trafford to what it used to be, but also to socialize and have a bit of fun.’’

Residents, through groups such as the Carenage Organisation for Recreation and Entertainment, are seeking support from the private sector and from entities such as the National Lottery Authority to assist with the upgrade of Old Trafford. Their plans include fencing the field, adding more spectator-seating areas, and installing lights and washroom facilities.

Meanwhile, MP David has congratulated Carenage United Generations on winning the first ever Waggy-T national knock out basketball competition. In the final played last Saturday at the St. John hard court in Gouyave, Carenage defeated Sissons Sparklers 69-67, with only seconds left on the clock.

“I want to commend Carenage for their grit and determination and for pulling of the victory in such spectacular fashion,’’ Mr. David said.

“Kudos,’’ he added, “must also be given to Waggy-T and all the organizers and sponsors for providing an avenue through which the youth of this country can recreate in a positive manner. I also want to recognize the players and coaches of all the teams for their dedication to the sport of basketball and for participating in the tournament. Congrats to all.’’

Comments are closed.